MK Place

The Basics

Based in Pocatello, Idaho, MK Place is a statewide organization offering substance abuse treatment for adolescents aged 13 to 18. The program is run by the Bannock Youth Foundation, which has been providing a variety of services to youth and families in southeast Idaho since 1979. Funded by the state, all services are free for clients and their families. For those in need of 24-hour supervision, a structured residential program is available. Outpatient clients can attend individual, group and family therapy that uses several evidence-based modalities.

Accommodations and Food

The coed, 12-bed residential facility is set up to feel like a home rather then an institution. It is a secure facility, with alarms on all doors and windows. Residents share dorm-style bedrooms with one other person. There are separate bathrooms for girls and boys. The facility also includes a dining room, therapy rooms, offices and a school room.

Residents are encouraged to learn important life skills by, for example, helping the staff cook prepare the daily three meals. Though the cook does the majority of the actual cooking, preparation duties such as chopping, cleaning and mixing are often delegated to the residents. Special dietary requests can usually be accommodated.

Treatment and Staff

Treatment at MK Place focuses on teaching adolescents about motivation and independence. Evidence-based therapies such as CBT, DBT and Motivational Interviewing (MI) are used. Detox is not available.

While in the residential program, adolescents focus on replacing negative behaviors with positive ones. Initially, clients undergo a seven-day orientation process where they get to know the facility and what is expected of them. While the program primarily focuses on substance abuse, dual diagnosis support is available through therapy and a partnering psychiatrist. Group therapy takes up most of each client’s day and focuses on the disease model of addiction, life skills, relapse prevention, emotional processing and recognizing triggers.

Each resident is assigned a counselor to work with one-on-one once or twice a week. Those suffering from trauma can work with a specialized therapist during their stay, with EMDR used in specific cases when needed. Clients also attend school during the day and are expected to keep up with all school assignments and chores. There are also several mandatory on-site 12-step meetings every week.

Family involvement is highly encouraged, with opportunities for family members to participate in group education and therapy. Visitation is on Sunday from noon to 2:30 pm after the initial seven-day orientation period.

MK Place also offers an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) that meets three times a week for three hours at a time. The length of time spent in this program depends on the individual. From here, they can step down into regular outpatient, which meets once a week. Both options include a mixture of group and individual counseling. Clients can also come to the facility solely for individual or family therapy. Specialized groups occur once a week, focusing on issues such as early recovery, relapse prevention and trauma.

The staff for both programs includes LADCs and LPCs, though there are no medical staff on-site.

Extras

While all classes are only offered in English, some of the staff are fluent in Spanish for those who need language assistance. 

In Summary

Mk Place brings quality care to young people who are suffering from substance abuse. Through evidence-based therapies, clients are given a clear path toward sobriety. Thanks to state funding, no one is turned away due to lack of funds. With both a small staff and client load, each client receives personalized attention and focused care.

MK Place
110 S 19th St
Pocatello, ID 83201

MK Place Cost: Free (state funded). Reach MK Place by phone at (208) 234-4722 or email at cindy.hansen@byfhome.com. Find MK Place on Facebook

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